Fall sweaters!! Loving some of the newest trends: stripes, oversized sweaters, and a resurgence of Fair Isle. A big color trend right now is cobalt blue… I’m on the hunt for a vibrant shade to start a new creation for my own wardrobe.

Some sweaters I’m loving:

From left:

1) I love the look of the asymmetric openwork, and this color is spot-on. (Anthropologie)
2) Subtle stripes look beautiful in a casual pullover. (Anthropologie)
3) The colorblock trend is still going strong. This would be a super easy way to add interest to a simple crew-neck or raglan. (Gap)

I have the beginnings of an idea for a sweater. I’m dying to use an awesome skein of Madelinetosh Tosh Sock in Ginger.

So, of course, I searched Ravelry. I decided I really wanted a pullover. I was shocked to discover that there are very few patterns using a fingering weight yarn. What you people are scared of using your US2/3 needles?? I have been into experimenting with combinations of knit and purl for texture. With a fingering or sock yarn, the textures could be implemented without adding a lot of bulk.

A test swatch:

Design idea:

I am loving the waffle stitch texture. I was playing with continuing the “waffles” up in vertical lines to create stripes that look almost like graph paper. I will let the “waffle lines” move in and out with the waist shaping to emphasize the figure. Like this:

The different colored vertical “stripes” are not actually a different color, they are the small “shingles” that move up the garment. Otherwise, this will be a traditional crew-necked pullover with set-in sleeves that are to be picked up as I go. Stay tuned for some progress pics.

Even experienced knitters are wary of knitting sweaters… I have had my own difficulties until I realized that the real problems are FINISHING and FIT. I am putting together a post with some advice for achieving a perfectly fitting sweater and some finishing tips that I have found helpful.

In other news, my Scalene scarf is complete! In order to keep my xmas gifts a surprise, I have posted pics to my Ravelry project page.